The Cashback Football Equity Project run by the SFA intends to boost the number of people from ethnic minority groups playing Scotland's national sport by offering coaching sessions and developing teams.

Mr MacAskill said: "Football is the national sport and it has got to represent every community that is in Scotland now and I'm delighted to see people from all races, all religions participating in what is a national game."

The young people training at Hampden were part of the Andalus community group based in Glasgow's west end. They come from a diverse range of national and cultural backgrounds and are united in their passion for the game.

Yaqub, who has been involved in anti-racism campaigns in the past, said: "Football is a passion of mine and the beautiful game, our national game, needs to be played to show that Scotland is a diverse society."

The Scottish FA has been involved in an outreach project for the last 16 months to take football into the community, and get young players involved with the Football Equity Project.

The project gives players access to coaches and facilities, improving their football skills, and also aims to overcome the barriers which have prevented the growth of football in ethnic minority communities, including among girls and women.

Yaqub said: "I think groups can try to understand the grassroots game better by meeting national bodies such as the Scottish FA half way and bodies such as the Scottish Football Association need to project more to groups in the community."

The initiative receives funding from cash seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Mr MacAskill added: "I think it is about re-investing in our communities and our community is no longer white, protestant or catholic.

"It's all religions, it's all races and we've got to make sure that all communities benefit, and that's why the SFA are doing an outstanding job and I am delighted to be with them today.

"Both the Scottish football team and Scotland as a whole will benefit from the work they are doing."